Civics 101
Friday 19
STEM CELL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Texas Cures invites Texans to hear from 18 respected leaders in the field of stem cell research. 8:30am-5:30pm. Texas Capitol Extension Auditorium, Rm. E1.004. Free.
CRUZ/SADLER DEBATE The two nominees for U.S. Senate, Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Paul Sadler will face off in a televised debate that will stream live online. North Texas public broadcasting station KERA hosts, and KERA Managing Editor Shelley Kofler moderates. 7pm.
Saturday 20
CATHOLICS FOR JUSTICE IN THE CHURCH An independent affiliate of Call To Action, the national Catholic reform movement, meets the third Saturday of each month. 10am-noon. Little Walnut Creek Library, 835 W. Rundberg, 512/906-1268. tom4peace@austin.rr.com.
WORKSHOP ON LAW AND PERSONHOOD Three sessions ask participants to recharacterize corporations through art and focus on corporate personhood in terms of "cultural lag" following the Citizens United decision. Some materials provided. noon-4pm. 5604 Manor Rd. kimberly.jarrett@sbcglobal.net, www.5604manor.org.
FAMILIES OF POLICE VIOLENCE VICTIMS speak out in this panel discussion sponsored by the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, the Royal Society for Civil Rights, the Huston-Tillotson Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the International Socialist Organization. 2pm. Agard-Lovinggood Bldg., Huston-Tillotson University. austincedp@nodeathpenalty.org.
HALLOWEEN PARTY The annual Workers Defense Project party includes a haunted house, costume contest, games, snacks, drinks, and music. 7pm-12mid. 5604 Manor Rd. $10, adults; $5, children. www.5604manor.org.
Sunday 21
BLOCK WALK WITH WDP Voter turnout in Texas in a federal election is around 56%, with even lower rates for low-income residents and Latinos. Help remind people to early vote. 236-8379. brigid@workersdefense.org.
AISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES FORUM NO. 4 The Austin area League of Women Voters invites all voters to a forum of the candidates for the AISD board to learn about their positions in this important public education election. 1:30-3:30pm. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover, 512/452-6168.
WOMEN TAKE TEXAS The Texas chapter of UniteWomen.org sponsors this rally to mobilize women to vote. 2-4pm. South steps of the Capitol, Congress & 11th.
Monday 22
EARLY VOTING Early voting runs now through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Nov. 6 federal elections. Be a part of the democratic process. See our election page for polling locations and times.
PUBLIC POLICY THROUGH THE LENS OF FAITH Two theologians debate the role of government in the contemporary United States. Childcare provided for kids of third-grade age and younger. 1:30-2:30pm. University Christian Church, 2007 University Ave., 512/477-6104. www.uccforums.org.
Tuesday 23
EARLY VOTING Early voting runs now through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Nov. 6 federal elections. Be a part of the democratic process. See our election page for polling locations and times.
Wednesday 24
EARLY VOTING Early voting runs now through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Nov. 6 federal elections. Be a part of the democratic process. See our election page for polling locations and times.
TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN returns to Austin this year. It's all about networking, professional development, and personal growth, with keynote speakers Charlotte Beers, Cathie Black, Brené Brown, and Gretchen Rubin. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez, 512/404-4000. www.austinconventioncenter.com.
Thursday 25
EARLY VOTING Early voting runs now through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Nov. 6 federal elections. Be a part of the democratic process. See our election page for polling locations and times.
NEWT GINGRICH gives a lecture called Leadership Challenges Beyond the Election, touching on national security, government in the information age, and economic growth. Register online. 6pm. LBJ Library Atrium, 10th floor. Free, registration required.
Ongoing
ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGN October is National Anti-Bullying Month, and to celebrate, the Travis County Sheriff's Office is inviting K-6 students to color an anti-bullying poster for a contest.
EARLY VOTING Early voting for the Nov. 6 election continues through Friday, Nov. 2. See our endorsements or follow all our election coverage at austinchronicle.com/elections.
BLANKET DRIVE Share the warmth and donate new or gently used blankets, towels, and pillows to five area nonprofits – including Austin Children's Shelter and SafePlace – via city newcomers Sleep Experts. Through Thanksgiving Sleep Experts locations or the Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
SAVE THE DATE TO SAVE TEXAS SCHOOLS Join Diane Ravitch, former TEA Commissioner Robert Scott, and Houston's Kashmere High marching band to stand up for kids and schools on Feb. 23. Say no to brutal budget cuts, a broken testing system, and looming school vouchers. Say yes to a quality education for all kids!
INSIDE BOOKS PROJECT The all-volunteer nonprofit works to get books in the hands of inmates all year round, but it needs extra help during the holiday season. Make a financial donation online, or give your time be helping fill packages in 2013.
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING Oh, tenenbaum. If you're not a curbside customer, don't forget you can recycle your Christmas tree at one of these locations around town before Jan. 12. Through Jan. 12. Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm; Saturday, 7am-noon Austin Community Landfill, 9900 Giles; Williamson County Landfill & Recycling Center, 600 Landfill Rd.
NO DRAMA DEMOCRACY This continuing ed course from ACC seeks to reform political relationships by encouraging tolerance and proving why liberal/conservative labeling is irrelevant. Limited slots available; register now. Austin Community College Continuing Education. $120. www.austin.cc.tx.us.
TRAVIS COUNTY SHERIFF VOLUNTEERS Victim Services Unit is seeking volunteers who are over 21 and have a reliable car and cell phone to work four four-hour shifts per month for a year. The next training session begins March 18. See website for complete details.
FREE TAX PREPARATION Go online for a list of locations, hours of operation, a list of forms to bring, and other helpful tips to prepare your tax returns with the help of a professional. Participants must make less than $50,000 a year. Through Mon., April 15 610-7374. Free.
SLOW MONEY AUSTIN SPRING PITCHFEST DEADLINE Slow Money Austin is looking for local food and sustainably minded business who are trying to raise money to grow. They have been soliciting short, two- to three-minute pitch videos from local entrepreneurs and the deadline is March 18. Go online for more info.
PARKS & REC LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT The city is looking for a few good lifeguards, pool managers, and swim instructors. Call to find out more. 400 Deep Eddy Ave.
BUDGET IN A BOX How should Austin spend its money? Let city leaders know. Participants will be asked to decide to increase, decrease, or maintain current funding levels for common city services. Accumulated feedback will be taken into consideration as the city develops its proposed 2014 budget this summer. 512/974-2324.
